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Funds to be used for streetscaping, improvements in business district

BERLIN, CONN., July 14, 2005—Suffield's Town Center Project received a boost from Yankee Gas in the form of a $2,500 donation for streetscaping along Mountain Road, the town's central business district. The project is planned to create a more vital business center as well as improving traffic and pedestrian safety.

"We will be adding safety islands with trees and redesigning curb cuts in the area to improve traffic management and safety," said Patrick McMahon, director of economic and community development for the town. "We'll also install decorative lighting and benches making the area more attractive for pedestrians and giving it more of a community feel. We want Town Center to be a place where people can gather," he added.

With more than 100 businesses located along Mountain Road, the streetscaping enhancements will help to define and unify the area as a thriving business center. McMahon expects construction to begin later this summer and be completed by the end of the year, with the exception of some plantings to be finished next spring.

"We applaud Suffield's effort to foster and improve Town Center and are happy to support it," said Dennis E. Welch, Yankee Gas president and COO. "In 2001, Yankee Gas helped to lay the foundation for business expansion in Suffield by extending our natural gas mains onto Mountain Road, Main Street and Bridge Street. Business owners now have energy options, which gives them greater flexibility to manage energy spending and continue to grow their business," he added. "That's good for business, good for the town and good for its citizens."

Yankee Gas Services Company (Yankee Gas) is Connecticut’s largest natural gas distribution company, delivering safe, reliable natural gas service to approximately 194,000 customers in 71 cities and towns. Yankee Gas is expanding Connecticut’s energy options and increasing customer choice by extending the availability of clean, efficient natural gas throughout the state. Yankee Gas is part of the Northeast Utilities System (NYSE: NU). For more information, please visit www.yankeegas.com.